Hong Kong Travel Facts

The Basics

City Name: Hong Kong

Where is it located?: Hong Kong is in southern China on the South China Sea.

Why do people go there?: Wrapped in a concrete jungle, Hong Kong is a shrine to market capitalism. It’s perhaps the only city in the world where shopping surpasses any monument or historical site as the city’s main tourist attraction.

How do travelers get there?: Most travelers fly to Hong Kong from various destinations around the world. You can enter from mainland China. There are buses and trains that connect cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai.

Currency: Yuan

City Code: 852

Population: 14 million

Languages: Mandarian Chinese, English

Travel Information

Neighborhoods: Golden Mile, Kowloon,

Attractions: Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak, Kowloon

Accommodations: Hong Kong Hostels

Tourist Office: Hong Kong Tourist Office

Off-the-beaten-path: Cheung Chau, Shenzhen SEZ

Health Issues: Rabies, Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), Dengue Fever, Malaria, Cholera

Tips for Visiting

When to go: October through December are the best times to travel.

Common Phrases: Hello- ‘Lay Ho’ literally meaning ‘you good; ‘Good Morning- ‘Joe Sarn’; Bill or check please- ‘Mai Darn’; How much ($) is it?- ‘Gay door Chin’?

City Specific Events: Hong Kong uses a lunar calendar for its festivals. Hong Kong does have some exciting festivals, including Chinese New Year in February The Tin Hau Festival is in April and a Dragon Boast Festival happens every June.

How to get around?: Hong Kong has a very efficient transportation system. You can always find a way to get to your destination. It’s surprisingly cheap.

Good to know: The Po Lin Monastery is also home to the largest outdoor Buddha statue in the world.

Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Hong Kong is the Hong Kong International Airport.

Need more information?: Check out the Hong Kong travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.